Scientists to discuss Indiana dune findings

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. — Scientists assessing the safety of an Indiana sand dune that collapsed on a 6-year-old Illinois boy last year are ready to discuss their findings.

Researchers from the Indiana Geological Survey, Indiana University and Indiana University Northwest scheduled a Thursday media briefing on their work at that dune, called Mount Baldy.

The scientists have been conducting research this summer on whether it's safe to reopen the popular 126-foot high dune at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore along Lake Michigan some 55 miles east of Chicago.

The Michigan City dune has been closed to the public since July 2013 after emergency workers freed Nathan Woessner (WAYZ'-ner) of Sterling, Illinois.

The youngster was trapped for more than three hours beneath 11 feet of sand, but recovered after two weeks of hospitalization.